The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks will host a series of town hall-style meetings this fall in order to gather public input on proposed fee increases at Kansas State Parks

 

The five events will take place in various locations throughout the state from September 3 through December 3. The meetings will provide the public with an opportunity to learn about the proposed changes, ask questions, and provide feedback.

 

Among changes under consideration by Wilfelife and Parks is an increase for overnight camping permits from $9 to $15 and an increase for the State Park Passport from $15 to $30. The state agency is also considering the elimination of the Annual State Park Camping Permit.

 

KDWP State Parks Director Conner O'Flanigan cites a nearly 45% increase in utility and operational costs for the parks system since 2016 as the reason for the possible fee increases.

 

Meetings will be held in El Dorado, Dodge City, Hays, and Manhattan. The first meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 3, at the Hillsdale State Park Shooting Range in Paola. Fees remain unchanged at this time; any adjustments will require a vote of approval by the Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission before they are implemented.

 

Proposed Fee Changes:

• Camping Permits
  • Eliminate the Annual State Park Camping Permit, which has become unsustainable due to rising operational costs and significant revenue loss.
  • Increase overnight camping rates:
    • Overnight Camping Permit from $9 to $15
    • One-Utility Site Fee from $9 to $11
    • Two-Utility Site Fee from $11 to $13
    • Three-Utility Site Fee from $12 to $15.
  • Increase the 14-Night State Park Camping Permit from $110 to $165, maintaining the discount equal to three nights off the standard daily camping rate.
  • Streamline the Seasonal Camping Program into a single statewide tier, offering a $100 discount based on the utility site type:
    • One Utility Site Fee of $680
    • Two Utility Site Fee of $740
    • Three Utility Site Fee of $800.
• Vehicle Permits
  • Increase the Annual State Park Vehicle Permit from $25 to $40.
  • Adjust the State Park Passport (available with vehicle registration) from $15 to $30 (maintaining the $10 discount).
  • Increase the Senior/Disability Annual State Park Vehicle Permit from $12.50 to $20.
  • Raise the Daily State Park Vehicle Fee from $5 to $8.
  • Raise the Senior/Disability Daily State Park Vehicle Fee from $2.50 to $4

Meeting Schedule:

• September 3 | 5:00 p.m.
  Hillsdale State Park Shooting Range
  26719 Toe Rd, Paola, KS 66071
• September 23 | 5:00 p.m.
  El Dorado State Park Shooting Range
  2980 NE Shady Creek Access Rd, El Dorado, KS 67042
• October 24 | 6:30 p.m.
  Mariah Hills Golf Course
  1800 Matt Down Ln, Dodge City, KS 67801
• November 3 | 7:00 p.m.
  Fort Hays State University Memorial Union 208 – Black and Gold Room (Second Floor)
  700 College Drive, Hays, KS 67601
• December 3 | 6:30 p.m.
  Flint Hills Discovery Center
  315 S 3rd St, Manhattan, KS 66502